Course Description:

This qualification has been developed to recognise student-teachers' abilities to teach and support learning in a post - 16 context.  It has been designed to develop and accredit the breadth of knowledge and skills required by teachers to develop and deliver learning programmes and undertake responsibility in managing the learning process.

It aims to develop students-teachers' skills and knowledge and to recognise their achievements in a practical way that is relevant to the work context and reflects the professional values of teachers in the FE environment.  The qualification has been designed to be context-free and, therefore, meets the needs of teachers working across all subject/vocational areas.

The qualification is unit-based.  In order to achieve and OCR Level 4 Certificate in FE Teaching Stage 1 student-teachers will be required to achieve all five units.

Aims

The qualification aims to:

• Develop student-teachers' understanding of the learning environment including the impact of external factors and the national context.
• Develop student-teachers' abilities to assess learners' needs.
• Develop student-teachers' abilities to plan and deliver learning programmes.
• Develop student-teachers' abilities to work with others in supporting learners.
• Develop student-teachers' commitment to professional values and their ability to conform to professional codes of practice.
• Develop commitment to reflection on practice and to continuous professional development.

Statement of Level

This qualification has been designed to accredit skills and knowledge at Level 4 of the National Qualifications Framework.  It has been designed to be equivalent in demand to the first year of a part-time Certificate of Education awarded to teachers completing Initial Teacher Training and to NVQ Level 4 qualifications.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.  However, student-teachers will need to have followed programmes of study at Level 3 (or above) and have relevant and appropriate experience or qualifications in the subject/vocational area that they are teaching.

Progression

This qualification has been designed as the first stage of the qualification for teachers in FE.  Student-teachers who wish to extend their breadth of knowledge and understanding will be able to progress to Stage 2 and 3.

Qualification structure and unit content

The qualification is made up of five units.  Student-teachers are required to complete all five units to achieve the full qualification.  The units of the qualification are as follows:

1. Preparing and Planning
2. Teaching methods and Learning Strategies
3. Assessing Needs and Supporting Learners
4. Measuring Achievement
5. Professionalism and Reflection on Practice
   

There is no requirement for student-teachers to work towards the units in any particular order.  However, given the developmental model of the programme, there is inevitable and necessary overlap between the unit content.

If you would like any additional information about this qualification please feel free to contact one of the team on 0191 586 3355.

Cost:

Depends on which stage

Duration:

from 5 days to 1 year

Number of Places:

10

Awarding Body:

OCR